A high-level state government official has been forced to apologise after comparing the Gold Coast property market to a sexually transmitted disease.

David Eades, deputy director-general at deputy premier Jeff Seeney's office, made the comment at the Urban Development Institute of Australia's Brisbane headquarters last month during a property industry players’ breakfast.

While giving a speech at the event, Eades reportedly asked ‘What's the difference between herpes and the Gold Coast property market? You can fix herpes’.

Tate says he referred the matter to chief executive Dale Dickson's office, which unsuccessfully attempted to contact Eades and also sent a letter to premier Campbell Newman and deputy premier Seeney.

The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning told Gold Coast News that director-general David Edwards has investigated Mayor Tate's letter.

"Mr Eades' remarks were not meant to cause offence and he has offered a sincere apology if they did. Mr Eades maintains a strong and positive attitude towards the Gold Coast as he always has. The department considers the matter closed."

He's wrong on at least one count with this comment - you can't "fix" herpes, HPV is with you for life. Maybe he should keep his analogies to things he understands...

mrmtee says on
16/02/2013 08:30:16 PM

the whole point has been missed, the whole gold coast property market is one giant mess...abused over 30 yrs by dodgy developers, corrupt officials, sleazy real estate agents, massively overpriced property and lack of infrastructure....the latter has been really moving ahead in the last 5yrs, especially around broad beach.property prices need to drop 35-40% to be realistic..after that massive restrictions should be put on new developments for 20 yrs...old buildings bought by government and pulled down for parks or small developments...This would be at least a decent start

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